"Face the Nation" had 2.83 million viewers for its April 20 show, and "This Week" had 2.79 million. (UPDATE: An ABC spokeswoman points out that despite one week of falling to third place, "This Week" holds second place for the season and year so far.)

Sure, the iconic "Meet the Press" maintains a lead with its 3.24 million that same week, but the gap is shrinking.

Some viewers have voiced their opinions on blogs that Gregory, who eventually took over as host after Tim Russert died last summer, isn't filling Russert's shoes.

And although everyone is eager to see who eventually emerges victorious in a battle that was previously dominated by Russert and Company, some are just pleased to have so many quality news programs vying for our attention.

The Baltimore Sun blogged about how this is the "golden age of some exceptionally fine Sunday morning, public affairs, TV programs."

We at The Ticket can't really dispute that, but we also can't help but miss the elegant insights of the late Russert.